Joe Exotic Jeff Lowe Claims He's Up to Old Tricks Reports Him to FAA

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'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic allegedly managed to have a helicopter fly over his old zoo and freak out all the animals -- at least that's what Joe's ex-business partner and owner of the zoo, Jeff Lowe, thinks ... but Joe's team is calling BS.

According to the FAA ... it received an official complaint about a chopper illegally flying over Lowe's Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park Sunday afternoon in Oklahoma. We're told an investigation is underway.

Sources close to Jeff tell TMZ ... the helicopter violated restricted air space and at one point was hovering right over the zoo's gift shop. We're told this caused the animals to go nuts and stressed out the endangered ones, which violates the Endangered Species Act.

As for the connection to Exotic ... our sources say Lowe's people got the chopper's tail number as it buzzed nearby, and discovered it matches with the one featured in a video produced by Joe's legal team.

Joe Exotic Legal Team MAY 2020
FREE THE KING

We broke the story ... the legal team made the video to ask President Trump to free Joe, claiming he was framed for putting a hit out on his foe, Carole Baskin.

We're told Jeff's wife, Lauren, called and reported the incident Monday to the FAA.

Joe's rep, Eric Love, tells us ... Team Tiger has no knowledge of the incident. Love says no one on the team was involved, and says the helicopter used for the video was one they chartered ... it's not theirs.

Of course, the whole thing raises eyebrows. As you may recall from 'Tiger King' ... Joe once flew a helicopter over Baskin's Big Cat Rescue park in Florida to check it out, which she also claimed caused the animals distress.

Clearly, Jeff thinks Joe's at it again ... even from behind bars.

Jamie Foxx, Shaq Grant 5-Year-Old Utah Kid's Wish ... Days After Viral Joyride

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The 5-year-old boy, whose joyride went viral, won't have to dream about driving a Lambo ... a celeb car broker made his dream a reality, with an assist from Jamie Foxx and Shaq.

ICYMI ... Adrian Zamarripa was pulled over by Utah Highway Patrol last week after he was spotted driving 32 MPH down Interstate 15 in the family's SUV. The trooper wanted to know where he was headed. Adrian -- who barely made it 3 miles from home -- told the trooper he was headed to L.A. to buy a Lamborghini ... with the $3 from his piggy bank.

The story spread like wildfire, and one of the many who heard about it was celeb car broker RD Whittington, who owns the luxury brand, Wires Only. We're told RD flew Adrian and his family out to L.A. just days after the infamous traffic stop, and hooked him up BIG TIME.

We're told RD took the fam out to Malibu where they visited a luxury car dealership. The best part ... Adrian got in the driver's seat of a Ferrari, a Hummer and other fancy rides. His face lit up when he got to rev the Ferrari's engine ... but nothing like when he saw Shaq and Lil Pump show up via FaceTime.

And, it didn't end there ... Adrian got in the passenger's seat and RD got behind the wheel as they cruised down PCH. And, again, it didn't end there. RD and Adrian eventually pulled into Jamie's crib in the hills. They cracked a few jokes ... but it wasn't all fun games.

As you might have figured ... Adrian got in a lot of trouble after his joyride. His mother reportedly said he's being punished, and fortunately for the parents, the Weber County District Attorney said they will NOT face charges because there was no evidence of neglect.

But, that didn't stop RD from giving Adrian a much-needed pep talk ... telling the kid he needed to stay in school and listen to his mom. A win-win all around, honestly.

Josh Norman Predicts Monster 1st Season W/ Bills ... 'All-World' Is Coming!!!'

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Josh Norman says a return to superstar status is coming in 2020 ... telling TMZ Sports he's going to be "All-World" in his first year with the Bills!!!

The former Pro Bowl corner tells us he's speaking it into existence now ... saying a reunion with Sean McDermott is the move he needed to make in order to become one of the game's best again.

"I feel like 'All-World' is coming," Norman says.

Of course, Josh was the NFL's best DB with the Panthers back in 2015 ... but some nagging injuries prevented him from regaining that form in Washington.

But, Norman is now with McDermott again (Sean was Josh's DC during his Carolina days) ... and he's confident that'll put him back on top of the CB pedestal.

As for how the Bills will fare overall as a team in '20 ... Josh is oozing confidence there as well -- telling us even if Tom Brady had stayed in the AFC East, he liked Buffalo's chances regardless.

"Coming in, I know the philosophy of the head coach and the GM already," Norman says. "Mindset-wise, it didn't matter who was at the quarterback position for the opposing team."

There's more ... Norman also had a strong take on his former teammate, Cam Newton, when we asked about the QB still being unsigned ... with Josh telling us it's perplexing.

"If a guy with that magnitude of talent is not on one of those teams, you kind of got to scratch your head," he says. "It's like, 'somebody else is better than that?!'"

Guess Who This Cool Kid Turned Into!

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Before this cool California kid with a silly smirk grew into the coolest West Coast rapper, he was just another mini man giving a sneaky side-eye in the LBC.

This lad in maroon leisurewear -- complete with an ultra-wide '70s collar -- swapped out his disco duds for a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers, a pair of fresh dickies and a blue flag hanging out his backside.

This kid also traded in his real name (Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.) for something a little more cool with his canine companions in the music industry.

Can you guess who he is?

Sophie Turner & Joe Jonas Baby on Board ... Bumpin' in Public!!!

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Sophie Turner's not hiding it anymore -- she's pretty pregnant ... which she casually revealed on a walk with her hubby, Joe Jonas.

Up to this point, the baby rumors have been swirling ... but the cat's out of the bag after the married couple was spotted strolling in L.A.

Sophie and Joe both had masks on and held hands as they ventured out for some fresh air, but what everyone's more fixated on -- her blossoming baby bump.

She was also spotted out with Joe a couple days back in a loose-fitting, men's button-up dress shirt ... so it's starting to add up. There were also reports earlier this year she was pregnant, but no word from the couple.

050219_joe_jonas_sophie_turner_kal MAY 2019
GETTIN' HITCHED

In any case, neither have publicly addressed the pregnancy rumors and confirmed ... so we'll hold off on the congratulations ... for now.

Ahmaud Arbery's Mother Wants Death Penalty for Son's Killers

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Ahmaud Arbery's mother says, since her son was killed, the people who took his life also deserve to lose theirs ... at the hands of the State of Georgia.
I WANT THE ULTIMATE PUNISHMENT

Ahmaud Arbery's mother says, since her son was killed, the people who took his life also deserve to lose theirs ... at the hands of the State of Georgia.

Wanda Cooper-Jones tells TMZ ... she would like prosecutors to seek death penalty sentences for Travis and Gregory McMichael ... the two men charged with Ahmaud's murder.

We spoke to Wanda Tuesday afternoon for TMZ Live ... and asked her if capital punishment was appropriate in this case. As Wanda put it, "Coming from my point of view, my son died, so they should die as well."

There may be several circumstances in this case that would allow the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, including this provision of Georgia law ... the death penalty can be sought if "the capital offense was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman in that it involved torture, depravity of mind or an aggravated battery to the victim."

Wanda told us she's already spoken to the newly appointed prosecutor, Joyette Holmes. During our interview, Wanda's attorney, Lee Merritt, didn't want her to disclose too much about her conversation with Holmes.

But, watch ... Wanda did make it clear she's confident she and Holmes are on the same page when it comes to getting justice for Ahmaud.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Blasts Non-Profit For Declining $200k Taking Food Out Kids' Mouths!!!

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UPDATE

1:40 PM PT -- Tekashi just fired back upon learning his donation had been denied, and he's making what some might consider a valid point.

UPDATE

He writes, "@nokidhungry rather take food out the mouth of these innocent children I never seen something so cruel." While you could argue No Kid Hungry is standing firm on their principles -- which many might find commendable -- others could equally argue back that money is money, and if the guy wants to fork over a bunch for a good cause ... why not just take it?

UPDATE

It's quite a pickle, but it sounds like NKH has spoken. Sheesh, not even Socrates had it this tough in the ethics department.

UPDATE

1:19 PM PT -- 6ix9ine's money is no good at No Kid Hungry -- the nonprofit is turning down his attempted donation, and their reasoning is telling.

UPDATE

The org says, "We are grateful for Mr. Hernandez’s generous offer to donate to No Kid Hungry but we have informed his representatives that we have declined this donation. As a child-focused campaign, it is our policy to decline funding from donors whose activities do not align with our mission and values."

UPDATE

In other words, it doesn't sound like they wanna be affiliated with anything Tekashi reps or has repped in the past -- and as we've seen ... that encompassed a lot of alleged wrongdoing. Bummer?

Tekashi 6ix9ine's glorious return to social media paid him handsomely and then some -- but he ain't keeping all the dough for himself ... the dude's giving back to kids in need.

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ ... the release of his new song, "GOOBA," as well as the launch of some new merch that he promoted on IG last week has left him with a small fortune on his hands in the amount of about $2 million, which he made in less than a week.

We're told Tekashi raked in a solid mil in just the last few days alone. Rather than hold on to all the cash, or put it it the bank for a rainy day -- our sources say 6ix9ine's planning to donate 10 percent of his haul to hungry families who are struggling in the pandemic.

Specifically, we're being told 69 will send $200k to an org called No Kid Hungry, which helps dole out money to families that can't afford to feed themselves or their little ones -- which, as you can imagine, has gotten worse with COVID-19 putting people out of work.

Tekashi's hoping his donation will help in that cause -- and, frankly, it's a really nice gesture and a nice pendulum swing after his wild, and not so smart, weekend activities.

Here's hoping it also serves as a sign to come for 6ix9ine in general -- give and you get, solid life philosophy.

Originally Published -- 10:02 AM PT

Marcus Jordan Reveals Best and Worst Parts ... About Being MJ's Son

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Marcus Jordan
UNIQUE LIFE

Can you imagine being the son of the most famous athlete on the planet?!?

TMZ Sports spoke with someone who knows exactly what it's like ... and he's revealing the highs and lows of being Michael Jordan's kid.

SPOILER ALERT -- there aren't many lows.

We spoke with MJ's second son, Marcus Jordan, about growing up with His Airness ... and asked when he realized his dad was Michael freaking Jordan, the global superstar.

"So, in 8th grade, I was playing in middle school and I was number one in the state," Marcus tells us.

"Everybody was coming to our games and we were getting bigger crowds than usual and that's when it really started settling in for me."

Marcus says he started picking his dad's brain ever since ... asking for advice on becoming the G.O.A.T. at anything on and off the court.

Naturally, being MJ's son has to come with a ton of perks ... but when we asked Marcus the best parts about being a Jordan, we realized how awesome it really is.

"I grew up playing Playstation on a private jet."

Baller.

Marcus says his mom did a great job keeping the family humble and reminding them how blessed they are ... but also admits he didn't travel on a commercial flight until his junior year of high school.

Marcus says the worst part is always having to live under the assumption that people are always wanting something from him -- whether it's sneakers or a connection -- but says that one negative is outweighed by all the dopeness.

Marcus Jordan Sub
JUST GETTIN' STARTED

We also spoke with Marcus about his own business venture -- The Trophy Room -- which has the latest clothes, shoes and Jordan merch ... and he breaks down the awesome reason for giving the shop its name.

Mamba Sports Academy Removed 'Mamba' from Name ... At Kobe Estate's Request

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UPDATE

2:14 PM PT -- Okay, some clarity on the move from The Sports Academy ...

UPDATE

Now, the TSA says the decision to remove "Mamba" from the name was a "mutual agreement made in accordance with the wishes of [Kobe's] estate."

UPDATE

TSA doesn't explain why Kobe's estate wanted "Mamba" out of the name -- but it makes a lot more sense.

UPDATE

In other words, if Vanessa asks you to remove the name, you remove the name.

The Mamba Sports Academy says it will honor Kobe Bryant's memory by removing the word "Mamba" from its name forever.

And, if you're confused ... you're not alone.

Kobe partnered up with The Sports Academy (a youth sports training business) in 2018 -- which led to the name change "Mamba Sports Academy."

Kobe was very involved with the Academy -- and was traveling to a MSA facility in Thousand Oaks, CA with his daughter, Gianna, and several other people when their helicopter crashed on January 26.

Now, Sports Academy founder and CEO Chad Faulkner says the company will make significant changes as a tribute to the NBA legend.

"Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the 'Mamba' in the Mamba Sports Academy name -- to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs," Faulkner said in a statement.

Faulkner expanded on his decision to ESPN's The Undefeated ... saying, "Our beliefs and thoughts are Kobe is one of one. 'Mamba' is one of one."

"And with that as we carry on as The Sports Academy, it's more appropriate to put Kobe in another Hall of Fame, if you will, and to really respect a legacy that is really unrivaled, frankly, and let that live on its own. We will continue to do the work we do."

"We were fortunate to learn from Kobe. We will carry on much of those learnings that we have in a respectful way."

Of course, there is another school of thought that Kobe would want the Academy to use his name because it would help to attract more young athletes ... but clearly Faulkner doesn't feel that way.

The Sports Academy has already changed its website to reflect its new name -- and says it will make changes to signage at its buildings in Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach.

Originally published -- 9:50 AM PT

LAPD Violent Arrest Body Cam Vid Released ... Showing Officer Punching Man

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051220_lapd_violent_arrest_kal_v2 April 2020
FLYING OFF THE HANDLE

LAPD is releasing body cam footage of a brutal arrest ... showing an officer unloading punch after punch after punch on a man accused of trespassing on a vacant lot.

The April 27 arrest made national news last week thanks to a citizen's video of the incident, but now we can see and hear everything leading up to the arrest. Two officers responded to a call for alleged trespassing, and at first the man -- wearing an Eric Dickerson Rams jersey -- left the lot without incident.

Once the man was on the sidewalk, though, things got heated. The officers told him to leave the area, but he refused, saying he was doing nothing wrong because his family lives there. It quickly turned into an argument as the man said, "What the f**k you gonna do, my boy?" ... and the officer told him to assume the position.

The man said, "You don't f**king scare me fa***t" ... and the officer then attempted to get his hands behind his back to slap on handcuffs. That's when a struggle began, and one officer started swinging on the suspect ... throwing more than 20 punches, while his partner stood at the ready to fire her taser.

Back up eventually arrived and the man was arrested. He was later released with cuts to his head and face.

Police Chief Michael Moore says he's releasing the body cam footage to show transparency on the part of the LAPD. He says the officer who threw the punches has been taken off the street pending an Internal Affairs investigation.

Ahmaud Arbery Killing Mom Wants Life Sentences for Everyone Involved ... Including Man Who Shot Video

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Ahmaud Arbery's family and legal team know who they want punished for the killing of Ahmaud ... they want everyone involved with the case, from the accused murderers to law enforcement held accountable ... and they have specific punishments in mind.

Ahmaud's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, tells TMZ ... "We want all parties involved to go to prison for life." She says this includes the 2 current murder suspects -- Gregory and Travis McMichael -- along with the man who recorded Arbery's slaying, William "Roddie" Bryan.

William Bryan 5/11/2020
TERRIFYING REPERCUSSIONS

Wanda tells us she and Ahmaud's legal team believe Bryan was involved in the fatal incident, but as we reported ... he claims he had nothing to do with it. However, he has not explained why he was recording.

For his part, Ahmaud's family's attorney, Lee Merritt, wants everyone involved in Arbery's death convicted and "appropriately sentenced."

Merritt believes Bryan should be prosecuted along with the McMichaels ... "because he actively participated in the ambush according to previous statements by the McMichaels” and “because our forensic expert says that he was likely holding and brandishing a firearm."

Merritt adds that for justice to be done, members of the Glynn County Police Department who initially failed to investigate Arbery's killing and make any arrests need to be held accountable.

He's also going after Jackie Johnson and George Barnhill, district attorneys involved in the case, for allegedly mishandling it at best ... or committing prosecutorial misconduct at worst.

Merritt tells us he believes Barnhill specifically should be disbarred by the Georgia State Bar, as well as removed from his position as District Attorney ... because of his role in both withholding information and actively attempting to taint the jury pool.

A new lead prosecutor has been appointed to the case by the Georgia Attorney General -- Joyette Holmes, the district attorney of the Cobb County Judicial Circuit.

Ahmaud's mom tells us Holmes called her to introduce herself and let her know she is taking over. Clearly, the expectations for her from Arbery's family are high.